Idioms and Phrases
Popular idioms and phrases for better expression • 217 idioms and phrases available
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A bad egg
dishonest or ill-behaved person
Example:
"He comes of a noble family but he himself is a bad egg."
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
Having something for certain is better than the possibility of getting something better
Example:
"She almost sold her small but reliable business to chase a big investment scheme, but her father reminded her that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush."
A bird's eye view
a general, overall view from above; a broad overview
Example:
"Let's go up onto the roof and get a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area."
A bolt from the blue
something very surprising and unexpected
Example:
"The resignation of the chairman came like a bolt from the blue."
A bookworm
a person excessively devoted to studying or reading
Example:
"He has no time for social activities because he is a bookworm."
a bull in a china shop
A person who behaves clumsily or insensitively and causes disruption or damage.
Example:
"He entered the delicate negotiation like a bull in a china shop. Means: He handled the negotiation clumsily and without sensitivity."
a daredevil
a fearless person who takes risks
Example:
"Only a daredevil can challenge the city mafia and bring them to their knees (figurative)."
A flash in the pan
a brief, fleeting success that is unlikely to be repeated
Example:
"The success of our school cricket team was a flash in the pan; next season was disappointing."
a frog in the throat
A temporary hoarseness or difficulty speaking clearly.
Example:
"I had a frog in my throat during the first minute of the presentation. Means: My voice was temporarily hoarse or difficult to produce during the first minute of the presentation."
a horse of a different color
A completely different matter or situation.
Example:
"Repairing the old bike is one thing; rebuilding its engine is a horse of a different color. Means: Rebuilding the engine is a completely different and more difficult matter."
a horse of a different colour
A matter that is entirely different from the one being discussed.
Example:
"The budget cuts are one problem; the staffing shortage is a horse of a different colour. Means: The staffing shortage is a completely separate issue."
a horse of another colour
A completely different matter or situation.
Example:
"We thought the two projects were similar, but the second was a horse of another colour. Means: The second project was completely different."
a kangaroo court
An unofficial or unfair court that ignores proper legal procedures.
Example:
"The defendant called the rushed hearing a kangaroo court. Means: The defendant said the hearing was unfair and did not follow proper legal procedures."
A leap in the dark
to take a risk with uncertain outcome
Example:
"You must not leap in the dark by entering the business without experience."
A red rag to a bull
something that provokes anger or strong reaction
Example:
"The new safety rules were a red rag to a bull for the old guard who wanted no change."
a sly fox
A clever, experienced person who is good at achieving their aims, sometimes by being crafty.
Example:
"The sly fox persuaded both sides to accept his proposal. Means: The crafty, clever person persuaded both sides to accept his proposal."
A snake in the grass
a secret enemy; a treacherous person who pretends to be a friend
Example:
"We were betrayed by a snake in the grass who leaked our plans to the competitor."
A thorn in one's flesh
a continual source of annoyance or trouble
Example:
"This recurring software bug is a thorn in my flesh — we can't get stable releases out."
a vicious circle
A bad situation in which one problem causes another, which then makes the first problem worse.
Example:
"Poor health and low income form a vicious circle that is hard to escape."
a willing horse
A person who is ready and eager to work, often someone who takes on more than their share.
Example:
"As the willing horse of the office, Dan volunteered for every extra task. Means: Dan was always ready to work and volunteered for many additional tasks."
a wolf in sheep's clothing
A person who appears harmless or trustworthy but is actually dangerous or deceitful.
Example:
"The friendly adviser turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Means: The adviser seemed trustworthy but was actually deceitful."
a world of difference
A very big and important difference between two things or situations.
Example:
"Moving to a smaller class made a world of difference to his confidence."
add fuel to the fire
To make an already difficult or angry situation worse.
Example:
"His sarcastic comment added fuel to the fire. Means: His sarcastic comment made the argument worse."
an elephant's memory
An exceptionally good ability to remember things.
Example:
"My aunt has an elephant's memory for birthdays. Means: My aunt remembers birthdays exceptionally well."
as blind as a bat
Unable to see well, or failing to notice something obvious.
Example:
"Without her glasses, she was as blind as a bat. Means: Without her glasses, she could not see well."
as brave as a lion
Extremely brave.
Example:
"The firefighter was as brave as a lion during the rescue. Means: The firefighter showed great courage during the rescue."
as cunning as a fox
Very clever and good at using craft or deception to get what one wants.
Example:
"The negotiator was as cunning as a fox when she worked out the deal. Means: The negotiator used great cleverness and craft to arrange the deal."
as weak as a kitten
Very weak or lacking strength.
Example:
"After the flu, Maya was as weak as a kitten. Means: Maya had very little strength after being ill."
back the wrong horse
Support or bet on a person, plan, or choice that turns out to be unsuccessful.
Example:
"We backed the wrong horse when we invested in that failing company. Means: We supported an investment that turned out badly."
Be in the same boat
to be in the same situation or share the same problem
Example:
"After the layoffs, everyone in the department was in the same boat."